The political circus and I: The presidential race is a shame

 

I’m a strung-along millennial.

I have a hard enough time deciding how to vote. The process of making informed, intelligent choices for the future of a country spanning 2,680 miles and a growing population is quite the heavy burden. But that’s not my greatest woe concerning the voting process. It’s not that I don’t have values – I just can’t trust anybody. Lately, when getting my political fix from the media, it’s like I’m watching an episode of “Entertainment Tonight.”

A people-pleaser at heart, I just want to make sure everyone is happy and healthy. But I have this weird sensation that my life is like “The Truman Show.” I feel convinced that my choices are of great interest to everybody. In reality, it’s about numbers, hits, ranks – not about any of my thoughts, unfortunately. I want this political fiasco to end and for America to start acting.

Perhaps I am throwing a bigger pity party than necessary. Possibly, I’m just one of those sheep who can’t decipher truth from coercion with any analytical bone in her body. Or perhaps, I’m overboard analytical. Whatever it may be, can we blame people like me? After all, who can take our democracy seriously when a particular candidate – cough, cough, Donald Trump – legitimately thinks he can smack talk his way into the White House? And of course, he does so, as the media salivates after his every disgusting insult. Meanwhile, another candidate – notably, Ted Cruz – think they can purchase the American vote. You want to mandate the budget? If you become President, Cruz, please put your money where your mouth is. Also, Hillary Clinton wiping the server with a towel? Are smart-aleck remarks her “saving face” method of choice? Bernie Sanders, I can respect his dream. He seems to be the only candidate willing to fix things and bring us prosperity. Unfortunately, he gives me the Santa Claus vibe. Call me cynical, but I really don’t think the United States is romantic enough to heed his ambitious serenade in the long run.

I digress. Deep inside, I know the candidates, no matter what party they represent, are humans. However, it’s like the media wants us to be polarized, hateful, and regard political opponents as monsters when the candidates themselves could be just as strung along as I am, somehow.

Anyway, what did I say I was, at heart? Oh yes – a people-pleaser. A person who just wants to make good people happy. While the media is a great thing, and consequently the most useful tool I have to make informed decisions, in the most free country on earth, I can’t tell you enough how much I feel like a monkey-in-training.

A couple of months ago, I stumbled across some articles by The Atlantic magazine that covered why millennials are not as vivacious of voters as their predecessors. Essentially, it is because we have found a louder voice through our actions. Millennials speak through service and public outreach. Hopefully, sooner or later, we will no longer buy the political circus.